Activity Detail
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Pass the Ball
 


Activity Overview

Students use mathematics to examine patterns that occur in a specific scenario and predict future events for the scenario.
Data is collected on the time it takes to pass a ball. The students plot graphs, fit the data with a function rule, analyze proportional relationships, and make predictions.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 1 - 5 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • Set up the calculator for data collection

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Have four students stand in a circle
  • Each students bounces the ball, catches it, and passes it to the next student
  • Continue passing the ball until it is back to the person who started
  • Determine the time it takes to complete one cycle
  • Record three trials and find out the average time
  • Collect data using five different sets of students
  • Enter the data (number of students in a group, and the time they took to pass the ball) as lists
  • Create a scatter plot
  • Perform a linear regression to fit the data with a function rule
  • Find the equation of the line of best fit, and calculate he slope
  • Estimate the time it would take the entire class to complete the activity and compare it to the actual time taken


  • Repeat the entire process of passing the ball, without bouncing it
  • Find the line of best fit
  • Find the approximate time the entire class would take to pass the ball

    		After the Activity

  • Students analyze the results and answer the case analysis questions on the student worksheet
  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Linear Equations and Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 1 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    EasyData Activities: Modeling Algebraic Functions with Data Collection Activities.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Stopwatch
  • Small bouncing ball (tennis/racquet balls)


    • Report an issue with this activity